on Leadership - by Catherine the Great

I praise loudly,

I blame softly.

Catherine the Great

When the World says, "Big boys don't cry"

John 11:35

Jesus wept.

Who the hell came up with that stupid statement, "Big boys don't cry"?  And who is hardened enough to perpetuate this belief?

Well, obviously, a lot of people.  This generation - for all its enlightenment - tends to hold its emotions tightly sealed behind masks of pseudo-happiness.  It's embarrassing to laugh (joyfully) too loud.  It's civilized to keep your temper.  Honesty must always be couched in socially-acceptable terms.  Sorrow, grief, and mourning are consigned to the funeral home and graveside only.

The truth is - if we ever opened up and cried or laughed or sang or danced - we might never stop.

Don't cry but don't smile too much either.

Don't be depressed but don't be too happy either.

This world is so stupid sometimes.

Tears chemically detoxify your body.  Ever notice?

Jesus knew this.  Jesus cried.

If it is OK for Jesus to do something, surely it's OK for us to cry.  

Let sorrow and grief and pain exude from your body in each tear.

Weep.

When the world says, "Big boys don't cry,"

God says, "Jesus wept."

My God, my heart is broken.  My heart is broken.  My heart is broken.  Heal me.  Please, God.  Wash away this agony with my tears.  Let me weep like Jesus wept.  Only then can my heart be healed.  Amen.

Comfort Ye My People

Comfort Ye My People

Taylor Davis (Composer)
SATB, Piano

Lorenz home site

I do not receive any compensation for posting these anthems here; I just think they are terrific. ejr

on Leadership - by Napoleon Bonaparte

A leader is a dealer in hope.

Napoleon Bonaparte

When the world says, "Killing is unforgivable"

1 John 1:9

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Nicodemus the Haggiorite said that there are seven classifications of sin:

Pardonable

Near the Pardonable

Non-Mortal

Near the Non-Mortal

Between the Mortal and the Non-Mortal

Near the Mortal

Mortal

Each sin should be conditional according to

1.      Who is the doer of the sin

2.     What sin was committed

3.     Why was the sin committed

4.     In what manner was the sin committed

5.     At what time/age was the sin committed

6.     Where was the sin committed

7.     How many times was the sin committed

Well, that sure is clear.  Right?

Here’s some more lists to help. 

A Pardonable Sin is the same thing as a Deadly Sin.  It’s a “sin of excess” which causes the sinner to sin even more and weakens the tie between the sinner and God.

Anger

Greed

Sloth (more precisely – failure to utilize talents and gifts)

Pride

Lust

Envy

Gluttony

That leaves the Mortal Sins.  They ‘threaten eternal damnation’ because, rather than just weakening the tie between the sinner and God, it severs the tie. 

Breaking any of the Ten Commandments can be considered a Mortal Sin.

Yikes.

I like how Proverbs describes the things that God hates by body parts:

Proud look (eyes)

Lying tongue (mouth)

Hands that shed innocent blood (hands)

Heart that devises wicked plots (heart or mind)

Feet that are swift to run into mischief (feet)

A deceitful witness that utters lies (combination of eyes and mouth)

Him that soweth discord among brothers (hands)

No where does it say that any sin is unforgivable.  NO WHERE.

Confess your sins.

Repent of them.

Ask God to forgive you for these sins.

It’s that simple.

When the world says, "Killing is unforgivable,"
God says, "He who confesses his sins is forgiven."

.

I look in the mirror, Lord, and I can't stand what I see!  I am so sorry!  I know it had to be done for my country, for my fellow soldiers.  But sometimes I just hate myself.   Help me..  I know there may be repercussions for what I did; let me face those as bravely as I faced battle. Forgive me.  Wash me clean.  Take this guilt away from me.  Make me whole again.  
Amen.

Communion Invitation

Communion Invitation

Larry Shackley (Composer), Herb Frombach (Author)
SATB, Piano

“You are forgiven”

Lorenz home site

I do not receive any compensation for posting these anthems here; I just think they are terrific. ejr

on Leadership - by David Lloyd George

Don't be afraid to take a big step when one is indicated.  You can't cross a chasm in two small steps.

David Lloyd George

British Prime Minister during WWI